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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph

Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Partially verified

This Roger Dubuis "Sympathie" wristwatch, manufactured in 1998, is a perpetual calendar chronograph featuring a bi-retrograde display, moon phases, and a chronometer rating. The timepiece is housed in a cushion-shaped 18K pink gold case measuring 35 x 35 mm, with a thickness of 12 mm. It is powered by the Caliber RD 5637 movement, which includes a straight-line lever escapement, a swan-neck micrometer regulator, and a monometallic balance adjusted to five positions. The watch displays a two-tone black dial with applied pink gold pyramidal indexes and alpha hands. Complications include subsidiary registers for months, leap years, seconds, and a 30-minute chronograph totalizer, alongside retrograde sectors for the day and date. The watch is marked with the Geneva Seal of quality and accompanied by its original box, certificates, and a setting pin.

The Roger Dubuis Sympathie chronograph shown with its setting pin and accompanying documentation.
The Roger Dubuis Sympathie chronograph shown with its setting pin and accompanying documentation. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph
Maker / attribution
Roger Dubuis
Reference
S34 5637 5
Catalogue / lot identifier
87
Source-reported date
1998
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
196920

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The timepiece features a three-body, solid 18K pink gold case designed in a characteristic cushion shape. It incorporates a lapidated bezel and curved lugs fitted with screw bars. The case design is water-resistant and includes a transparent case back secured by eight screws, allowing visibility of the movement. Square chronograph pushers are positioned on the case band along with the necessary correctors for the perpetual calendar functions.

The dial is presented in a two-tone black finish, accented by applied pyramidal indexes made of pink gold. The arrangement includes an outer track for fifth-of-a-second timing, subsidiary registers for the months and leap years at 12 o'clock, constant seconds at 9 o'clock, and a 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o'clock. Retrograde displays for the day and date occupy the sides of the dial, complemented by an aperture for moon phases at the bottom.

Evidence for this section
  • “cushion shaped, water-resistant, 18K pink gold”
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, transparent case back with 8 screws”
  • “Two-tone black with applied pink gold pyramidal indexes”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is driven by the Caliber RD 5637, a movement decorated with fausses cotes and finished with rhodium plating. It is distinguished by the presence of the Seal of Geneva quality mark. The technical configuration includes a straight-line lever escapement paired with a monometallic balance adjusted specifically to five positions.

To ensure chronometric precision, the movement features a self-compensating Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator, which serves as a shock absorber. The mechanical construction supports the integrated chronograph and the complex perpetual calendar with bi-retrograde functions. The auction house reports that an overhaul for the movement is recommended for the new owner.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. RD 5637, stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark”
  • “straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions”
  • “swan neck micrometer regulator”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Provenance and Accessories

The watch was originally produced in 1998 and sold on July 13, 2001. It is documented as a "Bulletin d'Observatoire" chronometer, confirming its testing and certification by the COSC. The watch is signed on the dial, case, and movement.

The set is complete with several original items, including the fitted presentation box, the certificate of origin, the COSC certificate, and the setting pin required to adjust the calendar complications. The watch is fitted with an original 18K pink gold Roger Dubuis buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “Made in 1998. Sold July 13, 2001.”
  • “Accompanied by the original fitted box, certificate of origin, COSC certificate and setting pin.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement serial number 73 indicate a specific production batch within the Sympathie series?
  • How does the bi-retrograde mechanism specifically interact with the base RD 5637 chronograph plate?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Roger Dubuis Sympathie Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement number73“movement No. 73”
Case number196920“case No. 196920”
Case dimensions35 x 35 mm“DIM. 35 x 35 mm.”
MovementCal. RD 5637“Cal. RD 5637”
Gemstone count21 jewels“21 jewels”
Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold”
Production year1998“Made in 1998.”
Quality markSeal of Geneva“stamped with the Seal of Geneva quality mark”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped pink gold case with lapidated bezel
  • Two-tone black dial with retrograde date and day sectors
  • Square chronograph pushers located on the case band
  • Transparent case back secured with eight screws

Research qualifications

  • Movement requires an overhaul per auction reporting
  • Functionality of original accessories is unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ROGER DUBUIS REF. S34.5637.5 SYMPATHY BI-RETRO PERPETUAL CHRONO PINK GOLD Roger Dubuis, Horloger Genèvois, "Sympathie - Bi-Retrograde Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Chronometer," movement No. 73, case No. 196920, Ref. S34 5637 5. Made in 1998. Sold July 13, 2001. Very fine and rare, "cushion shaped, water-resistant, 18K pink gold "Bulletin d'Observatoire" Chronometer wristwatch with square button chronograph, register, bi-retrograde perpetual calendar, moon phases and an 18K pink gold Roger Dubuis buckle. Accompanied by the original fitted box, certificate of origin, COSC certificate and setting pin.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4e34eccfe1

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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